Tag Archives: global scene

AIA Arizona members are bringing their skills to the global stage by working internationally.

From Tucson to Phoenix, the rush and excitement of working internationally has hit Arizona architectural firms. With projects in a range of countries from China to France, AIA Arizona members are bursting upon the global scene and blazing a trail of innovation and expertise in a once untapped market.

The following firms, with niche expertise and wide reaching diversification, are some of the ones to watch.

Vision at Orcutt|Winslow

Vision and high-tech presentation made the difference for architects at Orcutt|Winslow. Though they were able to make initial contact with investors in India, through personal contacts, Vispi Karanjia explains that it was their renderings and video that set them apart from their competitors.

“When proposing this project we went over and above what the client was expecting and that is what gave us the success,” Karanjia says.

There are two reasons that Karanjia says he believes American companies, specifically Orcutt|Winslow, can be successful in countries such as India.

One is vision and the ability to present that vision expertly. One visit to Orcutt|Winslow’s website will allow you to see that vision in the stunning video that highlights the Sahana Pride at Sion project the firm currently is taking from vision to reality. This high-rise luxury residential building is currently in the works and will meet the needs of India’s growing economy.

The second reason Karanjia gives for success in the international market is the growing need for countries such as India, China and even Brazil.

“As the people are exposed to a rise in disposable income and success they have a increased need and desire for a better lifestyle, better housing and infrastructure,” Karanjia says.

This is where companies such as Orcutt|Winslow can find opportunities. Karanjia explains that though Mumbai has a need for more building, sometimes it is difficult to find architects who are not generalized in India.

“Our company offers expertise and specialization that is sometimes hard to find,” he says. Which is what opens the door to the International arena.

Building Bridges

For Eddie Jones, principal, at Jones Studio, working internationally is more about getting “a much better perspective of what we all share.” For his firm and its projects in China and on our own border with Mexico, the opportunity to work internationally is an opportunity to embrace a philosophy of respect for the “dignity of everyone.”

A major border project, the Mariposa Land Port of Entry, is an effort by Jones Studio to build a bridge in international commerce. An area of contention in Arizona and one that has a huge impact on both international relations and homeland security, the Mariposa Land Port of Entry is an international project that poses more challenges than most.

Jones asserts that his studio endeavored to create a welcoming space that minimizes fear and apprehension. In an area that is surrounded by desolation, Jones Studio created a garden of respite.

Jones Studio is committed to creating spaces that people can both live in efficiently and enjoy. The studio’s dedication to opening communication lines across political boundaries is true to a global mindset. Something that is surely needed as the world becomes smaller and communication becomes pivotal to the future of the U.S. economy.

Scientific Expertise

In the arenas of forensic science and laboratory research, the design team at SmithGroup is a leader in architectural innovation. International governments and universities alike seek the expertise of SmithGroup’s Arizona office to design high quality research labs.

“The international community looks to us as global experts in forensic and medical laboratory design,” explains SmithGroup’s Arizona leader, Mike Medici.

In a stunning effort, SmithGroup designed the largest forensic science facility in the world in Toronto. International governments are beginning to look to emulate the forensic science standards found in the U.S. and SmithGroup is on the cutting edge of such design, poised to take the lead in this growing market.

In addition to the forensic science laboratories, medical facilities and university research labs are at the top of SmithGroup’s international projects list. At Pohang University of Science and Technology in South Korea, the firm is designing a digital research facility and the university’s first science and tech lab for marine biology.